National Network of Aftercare Workers 12th April 2011

Present: Niamh O Rourke, (student sw ), Des Tracey Belvedere SS, Fiona Purcell Clare Care, John Donoghue FFI, Emer Lewis Fresh Start, Maria mc Grath Fresh Start, Keith Comiskey Focus Ireland, Steve Mack SSW – Northern Ireland, Eithne Ratcliffe HSE Louth, Sharon Morrison HSE Sligo Leitrim, Sinead Diggin HSE Meath, Sinead Lynch Meath, Alan Hendrick Smylys, Trena Ratcliffe HSE DNC, Elaine mc Grath HSE, Elaine Adams HSE Dublin North. Sharon Byrne Crosscare.

Steve Mc Laughlin gave a presentation on how aftercare plan are implemented in Northern Ireland with young people having a pathway plan and a social worker and a personal advisor up until the age of 21 years. Steve agreed to forward the documents used by email which will be forwarded with the minutes.

 Aftercare Policy Sinead Lynch informed that the new aftercare policy had been signed of previous week by Gordon Jeyes. However Sinead explained that the letter from Barry Andrews regarding Sect 45 of Child Care Act to HSE needed to be included in the policy. Clarification provided to the group re what Sect 45 was in relation to. It was also pointed out by Sinead that while the government had changed, aftercare policy and expectations on HSE as outlined in letter still stands.

Next stage in the process was the development of an implementation group which was to be set up in the next 2-3 weeks. The role of the implementation group would be how the policy would be put into practice, reporting mechanisms, co-ordination of aftercare services, levels of financial support, provision for those with intellectual disability, allocation of social housing, etc.

Sinead clarified that the implementation group would be set up through Aidan Waterstone’s office. Gordon Jeyes had looked at timeframes outlined in Ryan Report. Sinead reiterated that there was a sense that the policy would be implemented in a relatively short space of time. Also from the National Policy HIQA may look at setting out regulations and standards in relation to aftercare.

Alan suggested that this information is posted on the aftercare website.

 Action for Aftercare Group Alan gave update to the group about how this group at come together and where things were at. Alan explained the process began by looking at Sect 45 of Childcare Act, where a number of interested parties had come together including Focus Ireland, Barnardos, IAPIC and Geffrey Shannon. Alan and Trena were invited to attend on behalf of the aftercare network. Consultation took place with voluntary organisations about their input. The Action for Aftercare Group was then asked to nominate 2 members to the implementation group for national policy. Alan explained that they were looking for these nominations before 15th so felt this implementation would be get underway relatively quickly. Sinead explained on foot on Ryan report more resources would now be allocated to aftercare. Action for Aftercare looking for update on the 10 posts that were allocated through the Ryan report, 5 of which were already filled. It was noted that the Ryan report had recommended strict timeframes be adhered to in implementing the National policy. Sinead explained that sub groups may be developed to input into the implementation group. This would include representatives from: - Disability Services - Mental Health - Gordon Jeyes Office – Chair and Secretary - Aftercare Manager - Aftercare worker - Principal Social Worker - Voluntary Sector ( 2 nominees from action for aftercare group) - One young person - Childcare Manager - Local Health Manager

The question was raised how aftercare workers would become known to Aidan Waterstone’s office to be part of implementation group. Sinead confirmed that this would be through local health offices.

It was also clarified that the young person had yet to be chosen to be part of the implementation group, perhaps various workers could nominate young people they felt were suitable.

Next meeting : 21st June

Discussion took place regarding possible speakers for next meeting. Suggestion included someone from community welfare, addiction services, IFCA.